Highest temp around 400

[Lweekly]

I have a PB850PS2. I like it a lot better than the Traeger I had. But, I can’t get the temp above 400 and that’s not often. I want to be able to sear steaks at around 500 but no luck. I’ve set the control to H and to 459 and 475, but it struggles to even hit 400.
Any ideas?

 

[lpliv123]

L,
I have the 1150 but am working thru the same issue. I swapped the controller out for the new firmware revision and now have a great smoker but the high temp for searing doesn't work any more. The highest I can get to is 375ish after about 45 minutes. I bought a set of the GrillGrate grills and the temp gets close to 500 degrees so their advertising is honest. GrillGrate's that is, they claim that their product increases the grilling temp 100-150 degrees.. I believe it...
I talked with PitBoss about this temperature problem and they sent out my 3rd controller. I have not installed it yet but plan to shortly, I will let you know if I get any results..
Phil

 

[pbmark]

Make sure your deflector plate is installed correctly. Lowes assembled my 850 and installed the plate wrong. Couldn't get temps past 400 and couldn't get temps to hold. corrected it and tried it last weekend here in NY. Outside temp was 20 degrees and got it to 475 no issues. Backed it down to 250 and held at 250 perfect for 2 hours cooking a tri tip.

 

[lpliv123]

I'm pretty sure mine is correctly installed, I have the left side set in the two screw holes and the slots on the edge are in the metal edge ears that stick up from the barrel. If I've done it wrong please let me know, thanks

 

[pbmark]

I'm pretty sure mine is correctly installed, I have the left side set in the two screw holes and the slots on the edge are in the metal edge ears that stick up from the barrel. If I've done it wrong please let me know, thanks

Looking at the grill like your cooking...the cut outs in the heat deflector should be towards your left and the black half moon sticking up through the cut outs. The deflector should be higher on the left side and lower on the right for grease to run into your bucket.